Faith Based on Reason
I was thinking about the following two scripture verses and realized that my Faith in God is reasonable. It is based on concrete evidence such as archaeological artifacts and ancient texts validating people, places and events mentioned in the Bible.
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" (1 Peter 3:15)
These scriptures appeal to man's intellect, the fact that God has given man a sound mind" "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind". (2 Timothy 1:7). He expects us to use our minds wisely, in a way that discerns between truth and error. There is well documented evidence (see Did Jesus Really Exist?) that Jesus was a real man who lived in the first century in Israel, performed many miracles, and rose from the dead on the third day after He was crucified. I used to believe that the Bible was just a bunch of fairy-tales written by men, but over the years and after much research, I became convinced that the Bible is true (see Is the Bible true?).
When I consider the millions of people in the world who believe in other religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Taoism, etc. I wonder if their prayers are getting answered. I wonder if they truly feel fulfilled and have the hope of eternal life in paradise. These are very personal questions and I wonder if people of other religions find satisfactory answers to them.
My reason tells me to believe in the promises of God in the Bible and I have hope for a good future ahead: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". (Jeremiah 29:11) My emotions lead me to believe in the God of Abraham, Isaace, and Jacob because I feel the love of God every day. He saved me from death many times when I was young and doing stupid things. He has given me joy and happiness in my marriage and in the friendships I have made with true believers. We realize that we are desperately flawed, but we have a mighty compass and example to follow in the person of Jesus Christ who we know truly loves us. My prayer is for everyone reading this blog to get to know Jesus and feel His love and compassion too.